The U.S. census last month reported New York's population grew by 4.2% over the last decade, but issues surrounding population loss in upstate communities continue to abound for business organizations. 

The pro-business group Upstate United on Friday released a report highlighting what the organization called concerning population trends and sluggish growth for New York. 

In the last year, it's estimated New York lost 126,355 between 2019 and 2020, a time period that coincides with the COVID-19 pandemic. But business entities in New York, especially those with an upstate orientation, have pointed to the state's high cost of doing business and taxes. 

“New York’s population problems are symptomatic of our economic problems,” said Justin Wilcox, executive director of Upstate United. “Considering the state’s massive tax burden and harsh anti-business climate, it’s clear that New York is having trouble competing with other states for residents and jobs. Without meaningful tax relief and pro-job reforms, New York – especially Upstate communities – will struggle to grow.” 

New York will lose another seat in the House of Representatives after the 2022 elections due to not growing as fast as other areas in the country. Still, the state had anticipated losing two seats due to relatively stagnate growth. 

Florida and Texas, meanwhile, continue to have seen their political influence and populations rise. Those states grew by 14.6% and 15.9% respectively in the last decade. And Florida's population has now surpassed New York.